Parallels today announced the release of Parallels Desktop 9, a major update to their virtualization software for Mac users. According to the company, Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac's innovative new features include cloud storage optimizations for iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive and SkyDrive. It also includes support for OS X Mavericks and Launchpad for Windows applications. And for Windows 8 users, Parallels Desktop 9 incorporates the familiar and much-missed real Start menu and Windows Start button.

The top new features in Parallels Desktop 9 include:

- Support for cloud services: Sync iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive etc., with your Mac and your Windows virtual machine without unnecessary duplication of files locally.
- Enhanced Windows 8 and 8.1 support: Parallels Desktop brings back the real Start menu and lets customers use Metro apps in a window instead of full screen.
- Security Center: Easily access and install complimentary security software subscriptions to keep the Mac and Windows virtual machines safe from viruses and malware, all from one location.
- Enhanced new Virtual Machine Wizard: It is easier than ever to set up a new virtual machine, especially on computers that don't have DVD drives.
- Power Nap support: On a Retina MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air, the Power Nap feature now extends to Windows and Windows apps, so virtual machines and all Windows applications are always up-to-date.
- Mac gestures inside Windows apps: Parallels Desktop now includes the addition of the Dictionary lookup gesture in Windows applications.
- Thunderbolt and Firewire storage device support: For convenience of everyday use, customers can connect those devices directly to a Windows virtual machine.
- PDF printer for Windows: Lets people print from any Windows application to a PDF on the Mac desktop, even if the application doesn't have that functionality.
- Sticky multi-monitor setup: When using Windows in Full Screen mode and connecting to an external monitor, Parallels Desktop will remember settings and put the Windows virtual machine back in full screen mode on the remote monitor.
- Custom keyboard: Editable keyboard shortcuts help customize the Windows experience.
- Linux guest integration: Parallels Desktop customers who use Linux now have additional and enhanced integration with the Mac OS.

The standard retail price of Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac is $79.99, and the Student Edition is available for $39.99. Parallels Desktop 9 Switch to Mac Edition is $99.95. Upgrades are starting Aug. 28 for existing Parallels Desktop 7 or 8 for Mac customers for $49.99. For a limited time, Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac customers receive a complimentary six-month subscription to Parallels Access for the Mac where Parallels Desktop 9 is installed and activated, a $39.99 value.

Yes, at least since Parallels 7, and even on 8, there are ad popups for Parallels products, and checking the box "Do not show again" does nothing to stop this. So, yes, $80 for a product with pop-up ads that you cannot disable. This is why I am not buying version 9.